Brief Survey of Jaina Prakrit and Sanskrit Literature Part 1

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Sanmati Tirth Prakashan Pune

Page 15

5th century A.D.
* The third and the final conference of AMg. canons were held at Valabhi in 453 A.D. (or 466 A.D.) under Devardhigani-kşamāśramaņa. The 45 canons, which are available at present committed to writing in this conference.
* Devardhigani or Devavācakagaại composed Nandīsūtra and this Cūlikāsūtra was Included in the list of 45 canonical texts.
* Bhadrabāhu (II) composed Niryuktis in the 5th century A.D. According to Jaina tradition, Bhadrabāhu (II) and the famous astrologer Varāhamihira were brothers, Varāhamihira's date is ascertained around 5th-6th century A.D. Bhadrabāhu authored Niryuktis on Acārānga, Sūtrakstānga (i.e. on Angas), Uttarādhyayana, Daśavaikālika, Avaśyaka (i.e. on Mūlasūtras), Sūryaprajñapti (i.e. Upānga) and Vyavahāra, Kalpa, Daśāśrutaskandha (i.e. on Chedasūtras) and also the works Pindaniryukti and Oghaniryukti on monastic conduct. In the later period these Niryuktis were included in the list of 45 canons. The language of Niryuktis is designated as later Ardhamāgadhi or older Jaina Mahārāștri.
* In the list of 45 AMg. canons there are ten ancient prakīrņakas. Among these 10 Prakīrņakas, 3 Prakīrņakas are written by Virabhadra. The language of these Prakīrņakas is designated as Ardhamāgadhi. In the late Prakīrņakas, Virabhadra's Ārāhaņā-padāyā is ncluded. In this Prakīrņakas Vīrabhadra had himself given his date as 11th century A.D. Vikrama Samvata 1078). The author of ancient Prakīrņaka appears to be different from this late Virabhadra. Therefore, following the tradition, Virabhadra's Prakīrņakas are included in the ancient Prakīrņakas while Arāhana-padāyā is included in the 11th century-Jaina literature.
* According to Sve. Mandīramārgins, there are 45 or 46 Ardhamāgadhi canons, but according to Śvetāmbara Sthānakavāsins and Terāpanthins, the number of Ardhamāgadhi kanon is 32 excluding 2 Chedasūtras and Prakirņakas.
* Though the AMg. Canons finalised in the fifth century A.D., the division of Anga, Upānga etc. is not found until the 12th century commentator Malayagiri mentions it in his commentaries. But herewith the list is prepared following the method of division of Anga, Upānga etc.